Philadelphia, Pa. - Despite heading into halftime with a 2–0 lead, the Patriots were unable to respond to the Explorers' flurry of second-half goals. George Mason (3-6-2, 2-1-0 A-10) dropped their first conference game of the season on Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia, falling 3-2 to La Salle (5-4-1, 2-1-0 A-10).
The Patriots were on the front foot to start the match. Aaliyah Schinaman's high press led to a midfield turnover by the Explorers. After gaining possession, junior Ariana Bliven beat a defender and fired a long-range shot that caught the La Salle goalkeeper off guard, opening the scoring in the 15th minute. This was Bliven's first goal of the season.
The Patriots maintained a relentless attack, earning a free kick in their half in the 34th minute. Sophomore Gianna Chrapek played the ball to a wide-open Mia Arevalo-Delcid on the right flank. Arevalo-Delcid delivered a cross into the crowded box where defender Zoë Vidaurre headed the ball on target – bouncing off the ground toward La Salle goalkeeper Mackenna Yaracs. Despite Yaracs getting a piece of the ball, Vidaurre nets a goal in the 35th minute – continuing her scoring streak with three goals in as many games.
From the second-half whistle, the La Salle Explorers were quick to cut into the two-goal deficit. Just three minutes in, a free kick delivered to the top of the 18-yard box caused commotion in the area. While multiple Patriots attempted to clear the ball, Ella Cadigan created just enough space to slot a shot out of reach of Mason goalkeeper Libby Davy's diving save, putting the Explorers on the scoreboard in the 48th minute.
Cadigan's goal unleashed high-pressure attacks from both sides. In the span of 17 minutes, six shots were attempted by five different Patriots. However, Mason's shots did not find the back of the net despite forcing two saves within that time frame.
The sequence leading to the Explorers' equalizer began with a thrown-in by La Salle in their attacking third. Kayden Williams delivered a cross from the right wing to the far post. Despite Mason's best efforts to clear the ball, Kameron Rase capitalized on the opportunity and fired a goal from the top of the 6-yard box in the 71st minute.
La Salle took the lead just minutes later after Elizabeth Estada drew a foul on the edge of the penalty box. Estrada stepped up to take the resulting penalty kick and converted, putting the Explorers ahead by one goal in the 73rd minute.
The Patriots had dangerous opportunities to equalize in the closing minutes of the game. In the 84th minute, Zoë Vidaurre narrowly missed with a header off a Mason corner kick. Then, with seconds remaining, Molly Starner fired a shot that was blocked by a La Salle field player, sealing the comeback win for the Explorers.
HOW THEY SCORED
George Mason
15' | Ariana Bliven struck from over 35 yards out and buried an unassisted goal into the top left corner
35' | Zoë Vidaurre headed a cross from Mia Arevalo-Delcid
La Salle
48' | Ella Cadigan fired a low-driven shot from the top of the box into the right side of the goal
71' | Kameron Rase took advantage of an uncleared cross from Kayden Williams and placed a shot toward goal
73' | Elizabeth Estrada converts a penalty kick
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Although La Salle outshot George Mason 9 to 5 in the first half, the Patriots entered the break with a 2–0 lead, demonstrating clinical efficiency by converting 80% of their shots on goal, compared to La Salle's 22%.
The second half told a different story, as George Mason gained the edge in shot attempts, outshooting La Salle 8 to 6. However, the Explorers were more efficient in front of goal, converting 83% of their shots on target, while the Patriots managed just 25%.
While numbers from the full 90 minutes reflect an overall balanced match, George Mason committed 12 fouls compared to La Salle's 7 – providing the Explorers more set pieces to fuel their offense.
NEXT FOR MASON
After back-to-back away games, George Mason will return home to face St. Bonaventure University this Thursday, October 2. Kickoff is set for 7 PM. The game will be available to be streamed on ESPN+.
